Q: I'm trying to understand anicca, dukkha, anatta while doing all the house work and attending to other duties and accepting death is another natural incident to face. However I have a fear of what kind of fearful ending I would be faced with when I die. I always think instant death is good because of my fear of suffering. How do I get rid of this feeling?

A: There is another Q&A about fear in Dhamma letter No. 68. It will be helpful as well.

We are discussing defilements which lead to suffering. It bothers our life. We hope that we are not facing any unpleasant feelings, fear of death or afterlife. Everything is uncertain. Even though we plan very well for the future, it never comes out the way we expected. The only certain thing is everybody dying, no exception.

To keep thinking and worrying are the defilements which never help or solve the problems.

As it was mentioned in the previous dhamma letters, we need the right efforts.

1. Efforts to bring of wholesome that hasn't happened yet.

2. Efforts not to happen again of unwholesome that hasn't happened yet.

3. Efforts to increase what has already happened of wholesome.

4. Efforts to restrain what has already happened of unwholesome.

Right efforts will lead to a clear mind every moment.

The clear mind leads to paññā, wisdom. The wisdom leads to knowing what to do, and what not to do. Therefore, there will be a wholesome mind. The wholesome mind brings to a good state in this life and the afterlife. Or if one who really wishes not to be reborn again, one will practice hard for enlightenment through wisdom. (Understanding the 3 stages of Wisdom: Dhamma letter No. 3)

The Buddha’s teaching is

Only be in the present.

One who wants to know the past, see this present!

One who wants to know the future, see this present!

Stop not to increase the defilements in thinking. Put your efforts into the 4 methods above. It will change the Kamma(habitual body, speech and mind).

May you understand well and practice in Dhamma!

May you reap the fruits of your practice through the right efforts!

May all practice well for Magga (道, the path of enlightenment) and Phala(果, the fruit of enlightenment)!

With Metta,

Ayyā Kosallā
Edited by Euna Bonovich 

If you have any questions related to dhamma & meditation, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at Bhikkhuni.Kosalla@gmail.com . 

법에 대한 질문이 있으신 분은 위의 이메일 주소로 질문을 남겨주세요.

위빠사나명상의 마음관찰에 대한 논문을 한글 원본으로 읽고 싶으신 분은 클릭해서 다운로드 받을 수 있습니다. (네이버에 PDF 첨부)

The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.

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Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu! 
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!

​Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!  
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!

Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !